Chattanooga World of Wheels Turns 50!

The Chattanooga World of Wheels presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts just celebrated its golden anniversary. That’s a long, long time! From its inception in 1968 to the big 50th, this show has seen its share of fine iron. Southern Tennessee is a hot rod hot bed.

Home to Lokar Performance, and Coker Tire (based right down the road from the event), the Volunteer State is also home to one of hot rodding’s signature builders – Bobby Alloway. This family-friendly event reflected the region’s propensity for four wheeled finery. Two wheeled wonders also shared the spotlight.

The beautiful Chattanooga Convention Center hosts the big weekend and the event is part of the International Show Car Association’s annual show series. Vehicles came in from all over the South to display and earn ISCA points towards the year-end championship.

We saw restored antiques and custom vehicles, vendors, and plenty of food and games for the kids. Special celebrity meet and greets for both adults and kids were featured along with a seriously healthy dose of Star Wars characters roaming the aisles.

Headliner celebrity appearances included Kevin Mack from “Counting Cars” and Dawn Wells aka “Mary Anne” from Gilligan’s Island. There was no sign of Ginger or Thurston Howell. If you were lucky you could get your picture with Darth Vader, and a fist bump a Halo soldier.

Right when you walk into main entrance, over 100,000 square feet of chrome and color hit you like a tidal wave. Brilliantly lit displays featuring custom cars, motorcycles, trucks, and more for as far as the eye can see. It’s like the melting pot of all car shows; and we counted at least 150 custom cars, bikes and other machines on display.

The kiddos seemed to gravitate to the “Hulk” Plymouth ‘Cuda and the “Beast Sting” Dodge Challenger. It certainly was bright enough. Our favorite was Matt Gordon’s 1932 Ford pickup known as the “Time Merchant.”

For years now, the ISCA and World of Wheels event promoters around the country have joined forces to give car enthusiasts a winter season full of fun.

These events keep the hot rod flame lit while old man winter takes over outside with cold days and long nights. They have always had a special spot in the industry providing great events until the spring thaw begins.

Where is the nearest World of Wheels or AutoRama to you? Click here to view the entire 2018 schedule.

Photo Extra!

-Story and photos courtesy of Sierra Hamilton

Originally from Louisiana, now based in Tennessee, Sierra Hamilton’s career as a freelance photojournalist is ascending rapidly. With a passion for automotive and motorcycle photography as well as a bonafide need for speed, her repertoire is as visually pleasing as her smile. When she’s not photographing or writing about fast machines you can find her exploring the great outdoors and chasing an adventure.